Company presenters wanted for fall Bright Buffalo Niagara Entrepreneur Expo

BUFFALO, N.Y. —The University at Buffalo’s Bright Buffalo Niagara, Western New York’s premier entrepreneur event since 2009, is accepting applications from companies that want to present at the annual fall Entrepreneur Expo on Oct. 28.

With the region’s entrepreneurial spirit rekindled in the midst of an economic renaissance, Western New York is back on the map as a hot spot for innovation and an ideal place to grow a business. Companies interested in engaging with investors to help raise capital to accelerate their business should submit an application along with a one-minute video presentation at brightbuffaloniagara.com.

The Bright Buffalo Niagara Entrepreneur Expo will be held at the historic Statler City in downtown Buffalo and feature the opportunity for presenting companies to pitch their business plan to investors and business leaders from across the region. Participants will be given a one-minute slot to present their business idea, followed by a two-hour cocktail party and entrepreneur trade show to network with angel and venture capital investors.

The event has drawn 250-350 attendees each year, including entrepreneurs, angel and capital investors, potential business partners, industry leaders and elected officials.

“There has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur,” said Norma Nowak, executive director of UB’s New York Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. “Bright Buffalo Niagara provides an ideal platform for high-tech companies to increase their business network and gain exposure to investors that can help them grow.”

This year’s event will feature a keynote address from Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU (“For Us, By Us”) clothing line, star of ABC’s business reality show “Shark Tank” and world-renowned marketer. John will speak about his journey from entrepreneur to investor, providing his expertise on how entrepreneurs can achieve financial success and how investors can spot a great idea.

The deadline to submit an application is August 7. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Julie Molenda at juliemol@buffalo.edu.

This year’s expo presented by UB, partners with 43North, the world’s largest business idea competition, as part of their 43North Week events showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Buffalo and Western New York, and is sponsored by Superior Group, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and Aloft Buffalo Airport.